Article

2015-11-21 Government

Obama warns Asian leaders to avoid 'pitfalls' of America

President Obama discussed America's faults Friday with young Asian leaders, saying the U.S. suffers from "pitfalls" such as income inequality, a political system controlled by the wealthy and political parties divided along racial lines.

Human-rights groups say Malaysia has a poor record on issues such as human trafficking and have accused the State Department of upgrading Malaysia's status on human rights so the country could be included in Mr. Obama's Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.

Human Rights Watch said the ruling party in Malaysia "has engaged in a strong crackdown on civil and political rights" since losing the popular vote in 2013, and that Prime Minister Najib Razak has strengthened a sedition law after promising to repeal it. The group also said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim received a five-year prison sentence this year on "trumped-up sodomy charges," and that Sharia (Islamic law) courts "have increasingly been used to prosecute alleged LGBT activity."

After meeting with Mr. Razak on Friday, Mr. Obama said they discussed "the importance of civil society and issues not just in Malaysia, but in the region generally, and how we can promote those values that will encourage continued development and opportunity and prosperity."

Mr. Razak said of Mr. Obama, "we take into account some of his views and concerns."

"But Malaysia is committed to reforms, and we are committed to reassuring at the same time there's peace and stability," the prime minister said.

Speaking at a town-hall event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mr. Obama said the biggest problem in the U.S. is the influence of the wealthy on the government.
Fourteen more months.

Posted by Besoeker 2015-11-21 03:55|| || Front Page|| [11135 views ] Top

#1 No worry Barry. America where you could become rich, instead of being born rich, no longer exists.

Posted by g(r)omgoru 2015-11-21 06:22|| 2015-11-21 06:22|| Front Page Top

#2 Maybe he meant the pitfall of electing someone who is bent on destroying the country he was elected to lead.

Posted by Bobby 2015-11-21 08:21|| 2015-11-21 08:21|| Front Page Top

#3 I'm reminded of Gollum. "We HATES the United States! WE HATES IT!!"

Posted by Deacon Blues 2015-11-21 08:52|| 2015-11-21 08:52|| Front Page Top

#4 Such as, electing you?

Posted by Redneck Jim 2015-11-21 09:41|| 2015-11-21 09:41|| Front Page Top

#5 Don't allow your ~~citizens~~ serfs to own guns in the hundreds of millions?

"God made man, but Samuel Colt made them equal"

Posted by Procopius2k 2015-11-21 09:49|| 2015-11-21 09:49|| Front Page Top

#6 "Pick your own cotton"?

Posted by Rob Crawford 2015-11-21 12:44|| 2015-11-21 12:44|| Front Page Top

#7 "Speaking at a town-hall event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mr. Obama said the biggest problem in the U.S. is the influence of the wealthy on the government."

Mr. President is, if nothing else, entertaining (in a dark and foreboding manner.).

Posted by Blossom Unains5562 2015-11-21 14:27|| 2015-11-21 14:27|| Front Page Top

#8 "But Malaysia is committed to reforms, and we are committed to reassuring at the same time there's peace and stability," the prime minister said.

Maybe this is what has Champ upset?

Posted by Iblis 2015-11-21 16:50|| 2015-11-21 16:50|| Front Page Top

08:52 Matt
08:38 Gleng Whaick2262
08:35 Gleng Whaick2262
08:35 Gleng Whaick2262
08:33 Gleng Whaick2262
08:32 Gleng Whaick2262
08:31 Gleng Whaick2262
08:28 Gleng Whaick2262
08:24 Matt
08:20 SteveS
07:43 Procopius2k
07:42 BrerRabbit
07:42 Procopius2k
07:39 Procopius2k
07:36 Procopius2k
07:35 Procopius2k
07:34 trailing wife
07:31 Procopius2k
07:30 NN2N1
07:22 NN2N1
07:18 trailing wife
07:14 Richard Aubrey
07:10 NN2N1
07:09 Besoeker